New Balance Summit Unknown

CoreScore A score from 1 to 100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. The average CoreScore is 78.
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User ratings

4 / 5 based on 85 ratings

5 star

55%

4 star

14%

3 star

14%

2 star

6%

1 star

11%

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Summary

We spent 9.5 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:

5
reasons to buy

The sizing scheme of the New Balance Summit Unknown worked well with the expectations of many testers.

Several consumers noted that the upper unit was sufficiently breathable.

Those who have tried it greatly appreciated the lightweight nature of this running shoe.

The traction capacity of the outsole tread was deemed reliable. People also stated that it even handled technical trails with ease.

The upper unit was able to drain water well, a reviewer noted.

4
reasons not to buy

The tongue unit tended to deviate from its regular position, so several users had to cut anchor points on it to allow the laces to loop through them.

A tester felt that the width was a bit narrow.

Going up half-a-size alleviated a concern that a runner had with the toes hitting the edge of the forefoot.

According to a reviewer, the thin insole tended to slide forward and bunch up against the toe box.

Bottom line

People were mostly happy with the performance of the New Balance Summit Unknown. They welcomed its breathable and quick-draining upper unit, the sure traction of the semi-aggressive outsole, and the lightweight construction. Conversely, some runners were taken aback by the deviating tongue unit while others didn’t appreciate width profiles and sizing scheme. Overall, this neutral trail shoe is divisive, but it’s still got its fair share of appreciation.

Summary

We spent 9.5 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:

5
reasons to buy

The sizing scheme of the New Balance Summit Unknown worked well with the expectations of many testers.

Several consumers noted that the upper unit was sufficiently breathable.

Those who have tried it greatly appreciated the lightweight nature of this running shoe.

The traction capacity of the outsole tread was deemed reliable. People also stated that it even handled technical trails with ease.

The upper unit was able to drain water well, a reviewer noted.

4
reasons not to buy

The tongue unit tended to deviate from its regular position, so several users had to cut anchor points on it to allow the laces to loop through them.

A tester felt that the width was a bit narrow.

Going up half-a-size alleviated a concern that a runner had with the toes hitting the edge of the forefoot.

According to a reviewer, the thin insole tended to slide forward and bunch up against the toe box.

Bottom line

People were mostly happy with the performance of the New Balance Summit Unknown. They welcomed its breathable and quick-draining upper unit, the sure traction of the semi-aggressive outsole, and the lightweight construction. Conversely, some runners were taken aback by the deviating tongue unit while others didn’t appreciate width profiles and sizing scheme. Overall, this neutral trail shoe is divisive, but it’s still got its fair share of appreciation.

The Summit Unknown makes for a great race shoe or up tempo trainer for up to mid distance on a wide variety and especially technical terrain. Despite the initial blister issues, the upper of the Summit Unknown is softening and breaking in to the point where it is less of a problem, but pressure remains and I find myself being cautious.

I found the Summit Unknown to be an outstanding choice for all around, less than super technical trail running, at speed and for moderate distances. I tend to like such a shoe for my 5-15 mile runs where I will see a mix of terrain and where some agility is needed and it for sure fits the bill.

Updates to New Balance Summit Unknown

The Summit Unknown is a reliable New Balance trail running shoe that’s created for the neutral runner. It features a trail-optimized design to bring confidence over a variety of outdoor terrains. The outer tread makes use of a sticky rubber compound to provide grip on dry and wet surfaces.

Cushioning is handled by the RevLite foam which is a full-length compound that offers responsive cushioning and shock attenuation. Affixed between the midsole and outsole is a high-density forefoot plate for protection against debris and irregular surfaces.

The upper unit features a synthetic mesh to provide a secure and well-protected coverage. It has tiny ventilation holes that allow air into the foot-chamber. Complementing the external mesh is a set of thin overlays and underlays.

New Balance Summit Unknown size and fit

The New Balance Summit Unknown makes use of standard measurements to accommodate the preferences of consumers. Lengthwise, it adheres to the regular expectations. The women’s version has these widths: B – Medium and D – Wide. The men’s iteration features the D – Medium and 2E – Wide variants. The semi-curved shape of this shoe’s last mimics the natural curvature of the human foot.

Outsole

The outsole unit of the New Balance Summit Unknown utilizes the HydroHesion rubber compound. This full-length material is specially designed to provide traction on wet surfaces. Having this layer would potentially increase confidence when tackling slippery trails and paths.

A semi-aggressive lug-pattern allows this shoe to traverse different types of topography easily. Also, the multi-directional configuration of these nodes permits confident uphill climbs and downward excursions.

Midsole

RevLite is a lightweight material that is advertised as more responsive and sturdier than heavier midsole compounds. It’s been designed to resist early sagging or breakdown.

The Rock Stop® is a layer of dense material that’s placed in the forefoot section. Its purpose is to protect the underfoot from rough surfaces and trail debris. It also attenuates impact shock and diffuses the energy generated by such a force.

A foam insole is placed above the primary midsole unit. It can be replaced or removed entirely.

Upper

The façade is mostly made using a synthetic mesh which is a lightweight material that offers breathable coverage. It has a semi-closed construction to improve its durability.

Fantom Fit is an overlay-and-underlay system that’s composed of two materials that have been combined using a no-sew method. The goal of this add-on is to assist in providing a secure yet customizable fit.

Protecting the forefoot section of the New Balance Summit Unknown is the Toe Protect™ compound, which is a thin layer of rubber that acts as a shield against sharp objects on the trail.

The tongue and collar are padded. These two sections hold the foot in place and prevent it from wobbling inside the foot-chamber.

Soft fabric lines the interior of this shoe. It’s crafted to stave off hot spots and skin irritation.

A pull tab is placed on the back portion of the collar. This loop makes it easy to wear and remove the Summit Unknown.